89 - Jean MERMOZ

Jean MERMOZ 6 L.A.S. “Jean” (a “Mermoz”), Barcelona, March–April 1925, to his “Dearest Mom”; 12 pages in-4 and 2 pages in-8, on letterhead from the Nueva Pensión Frascati. On the Spanish lines, from Barcelona to Casablanca. March 12. “I’m a little tired because of the hard work and the constant bad weather. The main thing is that things are moving along smoothly, and for that, I have no reason to complain so far. I wanted to ask you if, among the things in Pontoise, there might be an old gabardine coat or an old raincoat; it would be for flying; I don’t want to wear leather for that—it’s expensive, and since we’re covered in oil when we land, it would be ruined in no time”… – March 17. He’s going to send her some money. “Tell me in your next letter what you need for your divorce or anything else. […] As for my savings, I’m going to make a deposit at Société Générale here […] I don’t think I’ll have to pay any taxes, and that’s for sure; I’ve already saved nearly four thousand francs in the two months I’ve been here; it’s true that I’ve worked hard. Anyway, it’s a start that will grow each month. Until my trip to France, I’ll leave this deposit here. Spain’s financial situation is also expected to take a turn for the worse any day now. […] I’m not interested in military papers since, as a civilian airline pilot, I’m exempt from military service”… April 1. He’s having a sports suit made. “It’s amazing how much wear and tear there is, especially when you’re required to always look presentable and do a job as dirty as ours. As for me, I’m always on the road from one end of Spain to the other. Fortunately, the nice weather is starting to return. These last two months I’ve just spent have worn me out a bit. I never would have imagined it was possible to stay in the air in weather like that. I now feel completely confident in myself after what I’ve just been through and plan to make my career in aviation”… – April 13. “Still up to my ears in work. I hardly ever leave the pilot’s seat of my taxi, so to speak. It’s mind-numbing at times. The Dakar route is about to open, and they’re pulling pilots from every plane. Don’t worry, I haven’t been assigned. My presence here is too valuable right now. I might go take a trip there in a few months.” He’s been summoned for the medical exam at Le Bourget, but won’t take it until he’s on leave. His new suit is “as colorful as can be, but […] rock-solid”… – April 22. He’s worried that his letters are being monitored. He’ll certainly get his leave in August… “There was no way I’d be on the train that derailed. I’ve had three days off this month, and I’m making sure to use them to rest. So I don’t go out much”… Wednesday. “You must be worrying yourself sick again. I went on a transport mission and came back by boat from Alicante. I arrived here in the evening, but had to leave again the next day for Málaga. Anyway, you know, I haven’t had a moment to write to you. There’s always as much work as we want. I’m requesting leave in Toulouse from July 15 to August 15. I hope—and believe—they won’t deny it”… Correspondence, nos. 43, 44, 51, 52, 47. Source: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down through the family